16.7 First or second semester. Twelve 3-hour lecture/seminars. On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• demonstrate a basic understanding of the philosophical origins of competency based training;
• analyse the claims for efficiency and effectiveness arising from the adoption of competency based training;
• analyse views of training that compete with the competency based view and critically review competency based training in the light of these views;
• demonstrate an understanding of the role of external bodies and the influence they exert on the shaping of vocational educational policy; and
• demonstrate a clear understanding of desired outcomes on the part of learners and instructors and show skills in writing competency based curricula.

Key concepts in competency based training; behaviourist and cognitivist views on learning, constructs of skill and competency; competency based training as a means of improving labour market efficiency, international comparisons: Germany, Japan, and Sweden; competing views of training and professional development; human capital and systems theory perspectives; humanist perspectives; role of government, industry training boards, peak organizations and unions in competency based training; modes of delivery compatible with competency based training; assessment matters appropriate to competencies to be measured. A seminar paper equivalent to 1,500 words (30 per cent); a paper of 3,000 words (70 per cent).